Step back in time at this charming restaurant where homemade ice cream reigns supreme in historic Bramwell.
There are many reasons to visit Bramwell. Situated near the horseshoe bend of the Bluestone River, it is one of southern West Virginia’s sweetest secret spots. For one thing, there are the majestic mansions lining the brick streets that were built by millionaire coal barons. There’s the fact that, at the turn of the 20th century, Bramwell was the richest town per capita in the country. And then there’s The Corner Shop.
The Corner Shop is an emporium once known as the Bryant Pharmacy, which was so upscale that it was the third drugstore in the nation to stock Chanel No. 5. Today, you won’t find Chanel lining the shelves, but you will find a delightful spot to grab a bite to eat, with a historical soda fountain that will make you yearn for yesteryear.
The Corner Shop is so darling that you’ll just want to walk around and look at the treasures tucked into the old pharmacy cabinets and photos hanging on the walls, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t sit down at one of the ice cream parlor tables and take a peek at the menu.
You’ll be greeted by employees dressed in 1950s attire and big welcoming smiles. Enjoy the Johnny Cash Millionaire Burger or the Betty Boop Pulled Pork Sandwich with fresh cut fries. Get creative and fashion your own fountain drink, or opt for the Classic Root Beer Float. Or just cut straight to the chase and order an out-of-this-world milkshake, sundae, or banana split—all of the ice cream is homemade, and most of the fruit used is grown on a local farm.
You seriously can’t go wrong. Even USA Today awarded them the Best Milkshake in the State.
John and Donna Husband purchased the building in 2006 and, after renovations, opened in 2009. The Corner Shop has evolved over time. With the recent extension of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails and booming ATV tourism into Mercer County, traffic has drastically increased, and the shop has hit its stride. The couple is even adding five rentable suites with bathrooms upstairs this fall. “Already this year, we’ve almost doubled our best year we’ve ever had,” says owner Donna Husband. “We’ve become a destination. Folks really love our burgers and milkshakes. People tell us they plan their whole ATV trip around when they can come to The Corner Shop.”
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